Malacañang said Wednesday that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains confident that the proposed PhP6.793 trillion national budget for 2026 will be signed before the end of the year.

“Hindi pa naman natatapos ang Disyembre… at sa tingin ng Pangulo ay may sapat pang panahon para aralin ito,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a Palace briefing.

The proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) is undergoing deliberations by the bicameral conference committee to reconcile the versions of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Castro said President Marcos believes there is still ample time to pass the national budget, even as she said proposals to avoid a reenacted budget are welcome.

“Maganda po ang suhestiyon ni Senator Ping Lacson pero ang nais po talaga ng Pangulo ay hindi magkaroon ng reenacted budget,” Castro said.

“Ang good option, aralin mabuti… Maayos na budget na naipapasa on time. Hindi pa tapos ang Disyembre,” Castro added. ǀ PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. aims to further strengthen the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pag-Abot Program by extending support to more Filipino families in need of social welfare protection.

President Marcos on Wednesday led the DSWD Pag-Abot Program: Pasko Kasama ang Pangulo at the Pag-Abot Processing Center at Nasdake Building in Pasay City, where the President served meals and handed gifts to beneficiaries.

“Layunin ng pagbisita ng Pangulo na maipadama sa mga kababayan natin na kasama nila ang pamahalaan ngayong Pasko,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

“Isang paalala na hindi sila nag-iisa at kailanman ay hindi sila makakalimutan ng gobyerno… Sa ilalim ng liderato ni Pangulong Marcos Jr., lahat ng mga programa na naglalayong magbigay-proteksiyon at pag-asa sa pamilyang Pilipino magtutuloy-tuloy sa susunod na taon,” Castro added.

The President inspected the facilities at the Pag-Abot Processing Center, including the family area, male and female quarters, mess hall, wellness area, holding and processing area, multi-purpose hall, and medical room.

At the DSWD Walang Gutom Kitchen at the ground floor of the Pag-Abot Processing Center, President Marcos interacted with the beneficiaries and celebrated the Yuletide season by serving meals and giving gifts.

A temporary shelter with 180-bed capacity, the Pag-Abot Processing Center became operational in April 2024.

Through the Pag-Abot Program, the DSWD reaches out to families and individuals living in the streets to provide social welfare protection services and interventions.

The program has served 1,772 beneficiaries in its pilot implementation in 2023, with 741 individuals successfully reintegrated with their families.

Institutionalized by President Marcos through Executive Order No. 52 series of 2024, the program is currently implemented in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon and Calabarzon, and will be expanded to Central Visayas next year.

The Walang Gutom Kitchen, a component of the Pag-Abot Program, serves as a food bank to address involuntary hunger among families and individuals in street situations.

Launched on December 16, 2024 at the Nasdake Building in Pasay City, the facility serves breakfast and lunch to approximately 250 to 300 walk-in beneficiaries daily, with the help of food donors.

The DSWD plans to expand the Walang Gutom Kitchen to cater to beneficiaries in Central Luzon and Central Visayas next year. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Health (DOH) to extend the period of filing hospital claims with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) from 60 days to 120 days to address reimbursement delays experienced by some health facilities.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos ordered the “claims flexibility” to give hospitals more time to complete the documents required by PhilHealth.

President Marcos issued the directive in light of the reported more than P1 billion worth of return-to-hospital (RTH) claims that have not been paid.

“Ipinag-utos din ng Pangulo na i-extend ang maaaring period para makapag-claim ang ibang ospital, na-extend ito up to 120 days,” Castro said.

“Ito iyong tinatawag na claims flexibility at dahil dito ay natutugunan ng DOH, ng PhilHealth ang kanilang mga obligasyon. Basta ang nais lang din natin, ang mga ospital ay makapagbigay ng kanilang mga dokumento sa tamang oras at panahon,” Castro added.

The Palace Press Officer said the DOH attributed the returned PhilHealth claims to the hospitals’ failure to submit complete documents within the prescribed 60-day period.

“Patungkol diumano sa mga hindi agad nababayaran na mga claims sa PhilHealth, ayon sa DOH, mayroon kasing date na dapat na maibigay ang claims ng mga ospital. May period na within 60 days at karamihan sa ibang mga ospital ay hindi agad nakakapagbigay ng kanilang mga dokumento para sa kanilang claims,” Castro explained. | PND

Malacañang said the government is taking steps to ensure uninterrupted water supply amid management changes within the private concessionaire, PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp.

In a Palace briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) led by Administrator Jose Moises Salonga is regularly reporting to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on its efforts to address consumers’ concerns.

Castro said LWUA is preparing a memorandum circular that will serve as a guideline to prevent service interruptions.

“Ang mga consumers ay hindi dapat singilin kung wala naman talagang serbisyong naibibigay ang PrimeWater. So, hintayin natin ang memorandum circular na ilalabas ng LWUA patungkol dito,” Castro said.

The Palace Press Officer said the government will continue to pursue possible lapses and liabilities of PrimeWater amid reports that the Lucio Co Group has taken over its management from the Villar Group.

“Ang mga lapses or liabilities ng PrimeWater as the management, kung ano ang kanilang maaaring mga kakulangan o naging liabilities ay dapat pong mapanagot. Depende ito sa reports or mga dokumentong maiipon para maipakita kung mayroon mang liability ang PrimeWater,” Castro said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has firmly dismissed misleading claims portraying the Philippines as a training hotspot for violent extremist groups, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the National Security Council (NSC) maintained there is no confirmation to allegations that the father-and-son suspects in the recent mass shooting in Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia received training in the Philippines before the incident on December 14.

“The President strongly rejects the sweeping statement and the misleading characterization of the Philippines as the ISIS training hotspot,” Castro said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

According to Castro, the NSC said reports describing the Philippines as an ISIS hotspot were misleading since currently there is no validated report that the suspects in the Bondi Beach shooting received any form of training in the Philippines.

“Philippine authorities in coordination with international partners continue to verify all available information but no evidence has been presented to support claims that the country was used for terrorist training,” the NSC said in a statement read by Castro.

In its statement, the NSC emphasized that Philippine security forces have significantly weakened ISIS-affiliated groups since the 2017 Marawi siege, reflecting substantial improvements in the country’s domestic security environment.

“Both United Nations and the US Government assessments indicate that these groups now operate in a fragmented and diminished capacity. Violence in Mindanao is largely driven by historical conflicts and local clan disputes rather than the operational capacity of ISIS-affiliated organizations,” the NSC said.

The NSC pointed out the significant improvements achieved in the domestic security environment that were previously affected by terrorism.

“These developments reflect the sustained efforts of our security forces and the resilience of our communities in advancing peace, order, and development across the nation,” the NSC said.

The NSC added that President Marcos remains clear in his directive to the Anti-Terrorism Council and other member-agencies to stay vigilant to prevent any terrorist activity within Philippine territory and to continuously enhance cooperation with international partners to safeguard national security. | PND

“Be firm, be fair, be decisive while remaining fully respectful to the rights and dignity of every single Filipino.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday thus called on 50 newly promoted star-ranked officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to continuously improve their leadership and performance, stressing that higher rank demands greater commitment, responsibility, and public trust.

Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony in Malacañan Palace, President Marcos said promotion is not merely recognition of past service, but a call to meet higher standards in leadership and accountability.

“As you climb up a rank, you must realize this is not merely a recognition of past performance, but rather, a clearer and higher expectation of how you must lead from this point forward,” President Marcos said.

The President noted that higher rank entails broader authority and greater influence over police operations, personnel welfare, and public trust.

“This is the stage where leadership is being measured by your judgment, restraint, and consistency in upholding the law,” President Marcos said.

The Chief Executive encouraged the newly promoted generals to continue improving themselves and avoid being complacent.

“So, I ask you to continue to improve yourselves—personally, professionally, institutionally. Do not be complacent,” the President said.

The President underlined the vital role of the police as the public’s key line of defense amid challenges such as social divides, political noise, community tensions, and digital and technological threats.

President Marcos then reaffirmed the administration’s continued support for the PNP in terms of reforms that would enhance their capability and boost their morale, citing the updated base pay and the increase in daily subsistence allowance to PhP350.

The President also vowed continued support for the welfare of police families, recognizing that their well-being is essential to the effective service of the nation.

As the holiday season approaches, President Marcos called for heightened vigilance and visible police presence in public areas, transport hubs, and communities to help ensure the safety of citizens and the peaceful celebration of the season.

“Tiyakin ninyo ang kaligtasan ng bawat mamamayan upang tunay nating maramdaman ang saya ng Kapaskuhan nang may kapanatagan at pagkakaisa, at may tunay na ligaya,” the President said.

“This season likewise reminds us that public service does not pause even in times of celebration. So, continue to serve with honor, lead with purpose, always act in the best interest of our great nation and of the Filipino people,” President Marcos added.

Of the 50 newly promoted star-ranked officers, six are Police Major Generals and 44 are Police Brigadier Generals. | PND

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to provide electricity around the country especially to remote areas, the Department of Energy (DOE) recently provided the Pag-asa Island Integrated School in the Kalayaan municipality in the West Philippine Sea with the Mobile Energy System (MES).

“Upang masiguro ang liwanag sa mga paaralang hindi maabot ng enerhiya, namahagi ang Department of Energy sa pangunguna ni Secretary Sharon Garin ng Mobile Energy System para sa Pag-asa Island Integrated School,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday.

Castro said the government also provided the school with ten parol or Christmas lanterns from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) centers in various provinces.

“Sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Marcos Jr., lahat ng kabataan ay may aasahang maliwanag na kinabukasan,” Castro added.

The Mobile Energy System (MES) is a renewable energy source used for micro-grids, businesses, health facilities, schools, and homes.

The MES is a safe, dependable, and sustainable power source for emergencies and disaster relief efforts in case traditional power sources falter. ǀ PND

Malacañang announced on Tuesday the appointment of lawyer Anna Liza Logan as the new Chief Presidential Legal Counsel succeeding former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile who died last month.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro also announced the designation of Atty. Maria Luwalhati C. Dorotan Tiuseco as Senior Deputy Executive Secretary (SDES); Atty. Danielle Marie Rieza-Culangen as Deputy Executive Secretary for General Administration (DESGA); and Atty. Joseph Irvin A. Obenza as Deputy Executive Secretary for Financial Affairs (DESFA).

The Palace Press Officer also announced Atty. Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres was appointed as Deputy Executive for Legal Affairs (DESLA); Atty. Erwin Sta. Ana as Undersecretary for Economic Affairs; and Atty. Alemar I. Mosquito as Assistant Secretary both under the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES). | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the launching of new facilities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, marking a significant milestone in the administration’s goal of transforming the country’s primary gateway into a more comfortable, efficient, people-centered, and globally-competitive airport.

In his speech after the inspection of the enhanced facilities at the NAIA 3 in Pasay City, President Marcos recalled his commitment made over a year ago in partnership with New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) to improve the country’s airport and position the Philippines as a Tourism Powerhouse in Asia.

“Hindi lamang ito usapin ng imprastraktura. Ito ay usapin ng malasakit—ng pag-unawa sa pagod, pangamba, at pananabik ng bawat Pilipino at bisitang dumarating sa ating bansa,” the President said.

The previous improvements include strengthened airside operations; improved seating, cooling systems, restrooms, and Wi-Fi, restoration of old equipment, enhanced baggage handling, and introduction of new mobility options.

President Marcos noted that these efforts are currently delivering tangible results, significantly enhancing travel experience.

The President cited the single-day high of 92 percent on-time performance amid growth in passenger volumes, routes, and airline partner, and the first-ever customer experience accreditation from Airports Council International which proves that the Philippines can indeed meet global standards while remaining grounded in genuine Filipino service.

“This accomplishment reminds us that when systems are fixed and institutions cooperate, efficiency follows—and so does public trust,” the President said.

Building on that progress, President Marcos along with NNIC proudly introduced on Tuesday more new amenities added at the airport.

These include the new immigration e-gates that allow passengers to clear immigration in as little as 20 seconds; All-Filipino Food Hall and Mezzanine Food Hall that offer travelers better spaces to rest, dine, and reconnect; and the Dignitaries Lounge that reflect the Filipino values of warmth, respect and hospitality.

The President also led the launch of the Medical Tourism Concierge Area which is designed to assist patients with efficiency and compassion.

“Ito ay patunay na iginagalang natin ang oras ng bawat biyahero at pinahahalagahan ang kanilang dignidad—sapagkat ang maayos na serbisyo ay karapatan ng bawat Pilipino,” the President said.

The Chief Executive also noted the Department of Tourism (DOT)’s introduction of the Transit Tour initiative, which offers international passengers with long layovers an opportunity to explore the country.

“Layunin po nating iparamdam ang diwa at ganda ng Pilipinas kahit sa maikling panahon,” said the President, adding the program is open to transiting passengers of Philippine Airlines, those connecting through other carriers, and landed travelers with onward domestic flights.

The President said all these improvements will benefit all travelers, including families with children and the elderly, and most especially overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The President together with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos met returning OFWs, including Rhodora Alcaraz Tuñacao from Hong Kong who was injured in the recent apartment complex fire in Tai Po district while shielding an infant under her care.

The President stressed that like Tuñacao, all OFWs are sacrificing themselves for their families’ welfare, hence deserve to be treated as heroes.

President Marcos also announced that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has begun to distribute balikbayan boxes from 130 abandoned container vans to their owners, aiming to ensure the owners receive them before Christmas. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed his deep gratitude to the employees of Malacañang for their dedication to their work throughout the year.

During the flag raising ceremony at the Office of the President (OP), President Marcos said the employees have done their duties above and beyond their responsibilities.

The President urged the employees to stay focused on their work in spite of the political noise, recognizing their commitment and contribution towards the implementation of the administration’s reforms.

“We have actually been very effective disruptors of the old guard, and that is something that we will just have to weather because what we are doing is correct, what we are doing is right, what we are doing is necessary,” the Chief Executive said.

“It is time. It is our opportunity here, now, today to make things right, to make things better, to make the lives of each Filipino better. That is how important our jobs are,” President Marcos emphasized.

President thanked the employees as he wished them to enjoy the Christmas season with their families and loved ones.

“From the depths of my heart, I am grateful to you for the work that you have done, because I know that you have dedicated above and beyond, lahat ng ginagawa ninyo, above and beyond the common duty, as we say in the military,” said President Marcos. | PND